Grandma Joy's Minestrone

Image : http://www.flickr.com

For our Super Bowl Party this year my mother made her famous Minestrone soup. My brother and I were at her house for the big occasion when she said, "this soup is so thick a spoon with stand up in it."

That's when I said, "let's test it out." You see the results in the picture at The proof is in the pudding, as the old saying goes. Click on the link below to see a silicone spatula standing straight as an arrow in the middle of that pot of soup.

Okay, it's thick, but what about the taste?? I guess you haven't tasted my mother's cooking or you wouldn't bother asking that question. This vegetarian soup is out of this world scrumptious.

It's what every good winter soup should be...thick, hearty and loaded with good stuff. Many Italian soups are light, broth soups with few ingredients, this is an exception.

Ready to get started...

Soak 2 cups dried navy beans in 10 cups of water overnight. The next day bring to a boil, add 1 teaspoon salt and a few grindings of black pepper, cover and simmer for one hour. Saute one cup diced onion and celery until soft, about 5-6 minutes, add 2 cloves garlic minced and saute an additional 2 minutes.

Add saute mixture to beans along with 2 1/2 cups canned tomatoes, 2 cups shredded cabbage and 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Bring to a boil and simmer for one hour. Add one cup sliced zucchini and 1 cup elbow macaroni, cook for an additional 20 minutes or until pasta is done. If the soup seems too thick add an additional 1/2 cup of water or chicken stock. To serve, ladle generous portions into your biggest soup bowls, finish with grated Parmesan cheese and a quick drizzle of your fruitiest olive oil. If you like it spicy hot add a teaspoon of dried red pepper flakes with the tomatoes, cabbage and parsley.

Serve with your favorite garlic bread for a heart warming dinner that's sure to please...I guarantee.

I tease my mother all the time by saying, "hey mom aren't you glad I taught you how to cook?" In reality it was her who got me started in the kitchen and for that I am very grateful. Thanks mom.

Remember, when your mom makes it, the first ingredient is love.

To see pictures of this soup tap here.

Nice Noshing!